Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1887-04-21

Claiming tn Belong TO the Order-Su.
preme Chancellor Douglass SaysThey
Do NOT.

The Cincinnati Commercial Gazette says that the
colored Knights of PythiaS have raised an issue
that has created great deal OF talk In Pythian
circles. IL has been denied for years by eminent
men In the order that the colored men had any
rights 10 the title OF Pythlan but they claim that
they are fully possessed OF all the rtualistic
monies Of the order, having regularly purchased
from white Pythians high in knightly councils all
the secrets
Mr. E A. williams who subScribeS himself with
the title OF "Suprene Vice Chancellor OF the Su-
prerne Lodge Knights OF Pythias, Jurisdiction
North and south America, Europe, Asia and Al
rlca" claims IN the Boston AdrOcdte that the col
Ored men are genuine Knights OF Pythias and a.
such recommended by all fair minded, true
hearted Pythians who respect their obligation
whenever met; that the only and greatest differ
ence Is n the seIni-annual password; and he adds
the cheerful remark that the present differences
will exist until Mr.. Douglass and his negro-hater>
have crossed over TO that land where there Is nc
prejudice.
Mr.. Howard Douglass, supreme chancellor of the
order, was seen by a reporter for the Commercial
Gazette In regard TO the matter. He first of all
strenuously disclaimed Mr.. Williams charge OF
being negro Halter" and then said: Eyes, there
has been some trouble In the order this score OF
colored knights, and the Odd Fellows and MasOns
have had IL, too"
s.Does the constitution OF your order discrimi-
nate between the raceS?"
yes" replied Mr.. Douglass, "it does and In
plain and unmi5takable language. The Supreme
Lodge was organized on the 14th OF January, 1868,
and the constitution then adOpted-and IL has
never been amended, altered or annuled-proyided
that every candidate should be a believer In the
Supreme Being and a white male of the human
race, OF sound bodily health. The Supreme Lodge,
as provided by the constitution, Is The source OF
all true and legitimate authority in the order and
II possesses the original and exclusive power OF
regulating and controlling the forms and ceremo-
MES written and unwritJen law, and TO change,
alter and annul the same. This is final, you see.
No lodge whatever Is recognized unless IL has Its
ore Of eompetenI anthorts and Mr. f Williams
people have not a charter from this source they
are not PythianS-
ANY person" continued Mr.. Douglass, s'may or
ganize lodge and call IL OF the Order OF Knights
OF Pythias, but the same isn't recognized, and
probably never will be as legitimate. The parties
claiming To be members of the colored 4. OF have
no legal existence. and, TO my mind, can never De
recognized as SUCH"
Have they ever made an effort for legal recog-
nition?"
"Yes; there was an effort made at a session of
the supreme Lodge, In 1871, In Ph1iadelphla,
be eolored Knights of Pythias but recognition
In any way, shape or form Was refused by tnal
body"
..How did the present controversy originator"
The PyfhidR 4 droeate, OF Minneapolis, Mimi,
time ago called my attention to the fact that
certain parties, who said they were eolored
knights OF Pythias, claimed TO be working under
and by virtue OF authority conferred upon thein
by the supreme Lodge, and asked Tor my rullng.
ruled that these men were not Knights OF ~ thiaS,
and could never be recognized as such. My de-
eiSion Was made under the clause OF the constitu-
ton saying that ali Knights shall De 'Wnlte mates
OF the human race"
show about this charge that they have pur-
chased the secret ritual and passwords from MEN,
bers OF the Order?"
--Oh, they think they have them, but they
haven't i don't believe any Knight would be
so disreputable TO sell the secrets OF the
order. lf he did he would be ANONYMOUSLY
dismissed
The coiored Knights claim that they are stronger
in numbers than Nr. Douglass dare admit, ana
that they have sixtysix lodges in louisiana, eight
IN Texas, eight in Arkansas, twenJy-eight III Mis-
siSSippi four in Alabama, three in tennessee,
aiSr in mi hrae in m
lucky, five IN Maryland, and lodges Id Dayton,
XenIa anu Cincinnati